Maurice K. Engstrom, 76, died peacefully on Whidbey Island on July 27, 2005, with family members at his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather with a wonderful sense of humor.

Known as “Mark” and “Buddy,” he was born in Salina, Kan., in 1928. He moved to Seattle in 1939 with his parents Arnold and Edith Engstrom. He attended Queen Anne High School and became a star baseball pitcher. Following high school, he played professional baseball for several teams until he injured his arm.

He then became a salesman for Singer Sewing Machines until he was drafted into the Army. He trained to operate tanks and served three years in Alaska. After the Army, he returned to Bellevue, married Shirley, became manager of the Bellevue Singer store, and began raising their three children. Following Shirley’s death in 1968, he married Peggie in 1972.

In 1988, after retiring from Singer, he and Peggie moved to Whidbey Island where he built a successful sewing machine repair business known as Washington School Service.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Peggie; three children, Mark, Chris and Sally; three stepsons, Ralph, Niels and Mark Eskelsen; his brother Norm, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Shirley, and his fourth stepson Hans Eskelsen.

Services was held on Monday, Aug. 1. Viewing begins at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3030 N.E. Bellevue Way in Bellevue, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. A brief graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 1215 145th Place S.E. in Bellevue. Remembrances may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.